25th Anniversary - Performer Quotes
We asked some of our past festival performers to contribute
a thought about the Old Songs Festival
to include in the 2005 Program
Book. We're delighted to share these here as well.
"Old
Songs is a big old family under a big old tent. From its roots at the
Fox Hollow festival to its
long term incarnation in Altamont, Old Songs has inspired generations
of folks to discover, embrace and learn the traditional arts. Happy
Anniversary, Old Songs... may you outlive
us all!" –Walt Michael
"One
of my favorite moments was a workshop stage (’89 or so) when
Priscilla Herdman, Anne Hills and I got up to harmonize in front of
an audience for the first time,
with Lou Killen holding a lightbulb over our heads so we could read
the music! It's the kind of place that encourages such behavior, and
it's
been a truly nurturing community for me." – Cindy Mangsen
"Old
Songs exemplifies
nurturing and
celebration. Keeping traditional music and dance vibrant,
by cherishing our elder artists, encouraging our younger artists,
connecting the roots and branches of folk culture and hosting
a fantastic reunion party for all of us! A bit like Brigadoon..." – Anne Hills
"The
Old Songs Festival has been my favorite of all those at which I have
ever performed
or just attended. I pridefully boast that I was on the bill nearly
each of its first 13 years and as many thereafter as the presenters
would
have me. The friendly, family feeling is unequaled as well as the variety
and quality of the music and dance presented. Long may Old Songs continue
to delight!" – Faith Petric
—Anne and Faith both penned lyrics in honor of our 25th Anniversary.
Herdman Hills Mangsen performed Anne's rewrite of "Mr. Sandman" (Mr. Soundman)
on Saturday night, and Faith sang her parody of "Precious Memories" at the Thursday
night concert. READ THE LYRICS HERE
"Old
Songs is one of the very few festivals left that gives traditional
music center
stage. It remembers what a workshop is for (working!), what magic comes
from interesting and unexpected performer pairing, and how... first
and last...to be truly festive. I love this festival!" – John McCutcheon
"When
I think of Old Songs I remember the sheep barn humming with the sound
of shape-note
singing. That’s folk music, people’s music, being together, standing together. Joseph Campbell said, “All we want is to be completely human and in each other’s company.” That’s Old Songs."
– Utah Phillips
"Old
Songs represents the core folk world that has been the source and the
support
for The Vanaver Caravan. This festival is so family oriented that it
was the first place our kids were allowed to roam on their own. There
is a quality of community and musical friendships that is lasting,
growing and unique. We have all grown up here and hope that that will
continue for the next generations to come." – Livia Vanaver
"Old
Songs is the quintessential folk festival, never forgetting the roots
while also
celebrating the branches. Andy and the festival staff always bring
in the best of the best, from great performers of traditional music
to the
finest songwriters on the circuit.
It's been our honor to be a part of Old Songs over the years."–Greg Artzner & Terry Leonino (Magpie)
"Old
Songs is a wonderful annual reminder of the power and beauty of traditional
music and dance; it reminds us of why we do what we do." – Peter and Mary Alice Amidon
"The
Old Songs Festival could well be called the Old Friends Festival; it's
more like a weekend-long party or a family reunion than an ordinary
music festival with performers on one side of a fence and fans on the
other.
Good music, good food, good crafts and good friends -- who could ask
for more?" –Michael Cooney